Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung's Debut on 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung' Scores 4.1% Viewership

Former volleyball star Kim Yeon-koung, who retired last May, has returned as a coach, and her debut on 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung' achieved a peak viewership rating of 4.1%.

Aired on Sunday, the 28th at 9:10 PM, the first episode of MBC's variety show 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung' (directed by Kwon Rak-hee, Choi Yoon-young, Lee Jae-woo) showcased Kim Yeon-koung leading the 'Pilseung Wonder Dogs' team, offering a unique entertainment experience for the weekend night.

During the episode, Kim Yeon-koung visited the MBC headquarters to meet with the production team. She candidly shared her reasons for choosing 'volleyball entertainment' after retirement, stating, "I wanted to do something meaningful. I want to develop volleyball." She also highlighted the absence of a second league in the professional volleyball system among the four major sports in Korea, aiding viewers' understanding.

Setting the goal of 'establishing the 8th professional team,' Kim Yeon-koung assembled a coaching staff and selected players through tryouts. The chosen players, totaling 14, include outside hitters Pyo Seung-joo, Inkushi, Tamira, Baek Chae-rim, Han Song-hee, opposite spiker Yoon Young-in, setters Lee Jin, Lee Na-yeon, Gu Sol, middle blockers Kim Na-hee, Moon Myung-hwa, Kim Hyun-jung, and liberos Gu Hye-in, Choi Soo-bin, each with their unique stories.

The inaugural ceremony of Kim Yeon-koung's team was also unveiled for the first time, capturing attention. Seventeen's Seungkwan, who will serve as the team manager, appeared as the MC of the ceremony, listing all the players' names and showcasing his genuine volleyball fandom, bringing smiles. The team, named 'Pilseung Wonder Dogs,' symbolizing the players' journey from 'underdogs' to 'wonders,' received realistic salary grade evaluations from experts, reinforcing their determination to rise from the bottom.

Kim Yeon-koung continued training with the 'Pilseung Wonder Dogs' as they prepared for their first match against Jeonju Geunyoung Girls' High School, a top high school volleyball team with numerous championship titles. Coach Kim, with a keen eye, identified the players' weaknesses. To motivate players who made mistakes, she ordered impromptu physical training, adding excitement to her coaching moments.

As Kim Yeon-koung's debut match as a coach approached, she and her players, supported by team manager Seungkwan, faced their first game. Kim Yeon-koung briefly greeted Coach Yang Chul-ho of Geunyoung High School, whom she knew from her days with the Heungkuk Life Pink Spiders, before seriously engaging in the match. When the team wavered due to Inkushi's unstable reception early on, Kim Yeon-koung called a timeout as a drastic measure. She sternly advised, "You need to play thoughtful volleyball!" and with veteran players Lee Na-yeon and Kim Na-hee stabilizing the team, they secured the first set 25-19.

In the second set, the 'Pilseung Wonder Dogs' engaged in a close battle, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they wavered under pressure from Geunyoung High School. However, Kim's tactics paid off with consecutive blocking points, leading 16-12 and thrilling viewers. With the team needing four wins out of seven matches to remain, anticipation builds to see if the 'Pilseung Wonder Dogs' can secure their first victory.

Meanwhile, according to Nielsen Korea, the first episode of 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung' reached a peak viewership of 4.1% during a thrilling rally in the second set, where setter Lee Na-yeon set up middle blocker Moon Myung-hwa for a powerful side attack, marking a promising start.

The second episode of MBC's variety show 'Rookie Coach Kim Yeon-koung' will air earlier than usual at 8:45 PM during the Chuseok holiday.

Reporter Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr